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No. 355 



IN A GARDEN 



A FAIRY PLAY 



BY 

IVA B. KEMPSHALL 



Copyright, 1918, By Samuel French 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A** 



IN A GARDEN 



A FAIRY PLAY 



BY 



IVA B. KEMPSHALL 



Copyright, 1918, By Samuel French 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 West 38th STREET 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 



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IN A GARDEN 



This play might be charmingly produced along 
" new theatre " lines using any stage, and having 
gray curtains without any other setting. The chil- 
dren's costumes should be all cheesecloth and should 
be dyed in blended colors following a subdued color 
scheme. In this case all the costumes should be cut 
in classical lines and the children should be bare- 
footed. Such a production would depend for its 
effectiveness on the lighting and blending of color. 



0CI.D 49;J8U 
APR "6 1918 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 



The main scene in the play is a garden scene which 
can easily be adapted for schoolroom performance. 
By the use of green screens and green floorcloth 
the background is arranged. Vines should be hung 
over the screens and confetti scattered about the 
floor to give the effect of fallen blossoms. 

A small bay tree may be used for the garden 
tree and potted plants may be used effectively. The 
garden pool may be a mirror or " Japanese garden " 
banked with green turf or paper. A small arbor may 
be made from sticks and covered with flowers or an 
arbor may be cut from gray cambric and pinned 
on the screens at the back pinning real flowers to the 
cambric. 

For the gypsy scene, the tree and other objects 
should be hung with silvery gauze and a small tent 
made from a tripod hung with the gauze should be 
placed at one end of stage. A fire is made in center 
by sticks and red paper with tinsel, or by a red light 
under sticks. 

Indoor colored lights will make the simpler pro- 
duction much more effective, when obtainable. 

For more elaborate production a deep stage is 
necessary. Near the back is hung a mist curtain 
enhancing the effect of distance. The stage in front 
of mist curtain is used during prologue and gypsy 
scene, and for the fairy scenes the entire stage is 
used. Objects behind the mist curtain may be 
enlarged and back of stage should be built up so that 
fairies may seem to come down into the garden. 
Spotlights.should reveal Fairy Queen who should if 
possible enter through trap door or from above in 

3 



4 IN A GARDEN 

such a way that she is not detracting from at- 
mosphere of fairy scene. Many charming effects 
may be worked out through using the back stage 
scene as the fairy realm and the stage in front of 
mist curtain as the mortal plane. 

In a simple production the costumes may be made 
from cheesecloth cabric, silkalene, etc., while in a 
more elaborate production silk tulle, silver gauze 
and chiffon will add much charm. 

Suggestions: Fairy Queen — White and silver. 

(Tulle, silk or cheesecloth with silver wings. 
White Fairy — White costume — white wand and 

white stars. (Tarletan, tulle or maline) 
Yellow Fairy. Same. (Using yellow) etc. 



IN A GARDEN 

PROLOGUE 

TWO ACTS— FOUR SCENES 

EPILOGUE 

Act I Scene I — II. Enlarged garden. 
Act II Scene I. Gypsy Moth camp. 

Scene II. Enlarged garden. 

Time: Summer early evening (moonlight) 

Place : An old-fashioned garden. 

IN A GARDEN 

Youth's the Garden 
Love's the Seed 
Truth's the Blossom 
Doubt's the Weed. 

PROLOGUE 

CAST 

Bobby 
Mary 
Turtle 
Fairy Oueen 



CAST 

Bobby (A little boy, of seven years, who didn't 

believe in fairies.) 
Mary. (His sister, six years, a believer in fairies.) 
Fairy Queen 
Princess Butterfly 



6 IN A GARDEN 

Sir Toad 

Queen of the Ants 
Miss Wild-Rose 
Yellow Fairy 

Brown Frairy. {Court Jester.) 
White Fairy. {Lilly White.) 
Toadstools. {Four — White, yellow, brown and 

pink) 
Sandy. {Mary's rag-doll, afterward a Prince.) 
Turtle » 

Chief of the Gypsy-Moths 
Old Hag 
Tiny 

Gypsy Moths (3 to 6) 
Capt. Bee. {Court Herald) 

{Fairy attendants, ants, bees and garden- flozvers.) 
(16 Speaking parts.) 



EPILOGUE 
CAST 
Bobby and Mary 

{And a voice off-stage.) 

PROLOGUE 

Place: Old-fashioned Garden 

Time: Summer Eve — Moonlight. 



IN A GARDEN 



Scene: Stage is divided by gauze drop, the for- 
ward stage being the "Natural" Plane, objects 
such as trees and flowers, etc., are of normal 
sice . 

Back of drop is the " Higher Plane, the land 
of mystery, where the immortal spirit dwells. 
Setting of enlarged objects. 

In this way the first and second scenes are 
handled with little difficulty, as the stage back 
of drop during first scene is indistinct. 

At rise of curtain, Sandy, the rag doll is 

risible on seat around apple tree, left stage. 

The lower branches with tiny apples hang low 

to the ground, several wild-rose bushes are to 

' left of tree. 

Center stage just in back of drop the light 
of the moon shines directly on water, in a small 
pool, such as one sees in an old-fashioned 
garden. To right of stage, several holly -hocks, 
with smaller plants around, and a dirt path lead- 
ing off right-stage, in the center of which are 
several little ant hills, not too conspicuous. 

Sound of crickets heard, now and then a frog 
croaks; then Bobby enters running, he is dressed 
for bed, his little wrapper flying, tassels drag- 
fjinn a.: he runs. Goes to apple tree, turns, 
looks back, quickly picks up rag-doll, runs to 
rose bushes, kneels, hides doll; as he does this, 
a frog croaks; he jumps up (leaving doll so as it 
7 



1 IN A GARDEN 

can be seen from audience, but not by one ap- 
proaching bushes.) Runs across stage to holly- 
hocks, peeps around, sees someone coming, hides 
behind flowers, which are a little out of the 
moonlight. Mary enters half running, dressed 
for bed also, she holds her little wrapper closely 
about her, seems a little afraid, gradually ap- 
proaches tree, feels about, kneels, searches 
ground, in doing so, nears Bobby's hiding-place, 
rubbing eyes as if about to cry, Bobby puts 
hand to mouth as if to smother laugh, at same 
time creeps up behind Mary on tiptoe. 

Bobby. Boo! (Mary screams. Bobby laughs — 
rubs forefinger across forefinger) 'fraid cat, 'fraid 
cat! 

Mary. {Stamping foot) Not ! 

Bobby. 'Are! What you looking for — worms? 
{Hand to mouth, laughs, stoops, picks up imaginary 
worm) Here you are, down your back she goes — 
pretty worm, what makes girls squirm ! 

Mary. {Running across stage, Bobby laughs) 
You're a bad horrid boy, and if you don't look out — 
some day you will be turned into a worm or some 
such thing and then you'll squirm ! 

Bobby. Now you are talking through your hat ! — 
look out ! there's a bat ! {Bat flies across; laughs. 
Mary dodging, pouts, looks under tree again) Lost 
something? Why did you come out here? 

Mary. I want my doll ! Bobby, tell me where 
you have hidden Sandy? {Approaches Bobby 
pleading) Oh, Bobby, be good and I'll — I'll give 
you some candy! Honest Injun! 

Bobby. Candy ! you haven't any candy — besides 
{Walks to tree, breaks off branch with tiny apples 
on it, throwing same to ground) 

Mary. Bobby — see what you've done ! Teacher 
said it hurt the trees, to have their vounrr branches 



IN A GARDEN 9 

torn from them — and sometimes they die of grief ! — 
I'll tell teacher on you — So there ! 

Bobby. Tell her — I don't care. Girls are too 
soft anyway, I'm glad I'm not a girl! (Breaks off 
bud from rose-bush, throws it to ground, walks to 
center stage, stands before ant hill — with words 
" naughty boy" stamps on ant hill, viciously) 

Mary. Bobby ! Mother told you not to break 
the buds off her plants, you're a naughty boy ! — Oh ! 
Now see what you have done — crushed the house of 
the ants ; they won't have any home to go to. You 
betier look out — remember what nurse read about 
the naughty boy who was turned into an ant, and 

Bobby. Oh ! pooh ! Fairytales — The idea of a big 
boy like me, being turned into an ant ! You would 
believe anything, you're a girl ! I'm glad I'm not 
a girl. I'm not afraid ! (Kicks head off toadstool, 
at same time hurting a toad) 

Mary. Oh ! My favorite fairy's toadstool house, 
whatever will she do ! (Kneels, picks up toadstool 
carefully) 

Bobby. Fairies in this garden? Boo! 

Mary. (Rises, goes to Bobby placing finger to 
lips) Sh! 

Be careful, Bobby, don't speak so loud, 

Fairies you know are very proud. 

They listen to us, for they have ears, 

They read our thoughts, they know our fears 

Bobby. Boo! I tell you! — (Reads notice slowly 
aloud) " Help us to exterminate the Gypsy Moth ! " 

Mary. What does that mean? 

Bobby. Don't know exactly. Jim, the gardener 
says: — " heaps of money is soent each year, to catch 
the gypsy-moths,— j«st HEAPS ! " 

J [ary. Why do they want to catch them? 

Bobby. 'Cause they are enemies. They kill the 
trees, and plants and things. (Pensively) Wish 1 



io IN A GARDEN 

could fly, Pd chase tnem higher than the sky ! 

Mary. Why are they called gypsies? 

Bobby. 'Cause they're bandits — so Jim says — 
and he knows. 

Mary. Bandits, Ooh! Then they would fight 
you! 

Bobby. Well — what of that — couldn't I fight 
back — silly ! 

Mary. What would you do if you saw one now ? 

Bobby. Kill it — (Stoops, picks up a butterfly-net, 
that is on the ground near the tree — makes stroke 
through the air, touching bough as he does so, drops 
net to ground and stands on it, with triumphant 
gesture) Like that! (Sits under tree) 

Mary. Kill it? Well, I don't suppose that would 
be wrong, 'cause they are bandits, and they destroy 
the beautiful trees and plants. (Pensively) 

(Frog croaks — bells are heard, Mary kneels as if 
searching for something, forward center stage 
facing audience, Bobby stands close to her, fac- 
ing drop. At sound of bells, spotlight reveals 
Fairy Queen in the Higher Plane, back of 
drop near pool. Bobby stands rooted to ground, 
Mary apparently does not see or hear. Bobby 
tugs at her wrapper, but Mary is too busy 
searching for doll.) 

Fairy Queen. 
O, wondrous garden of youth 
With your delicate seedlets of love, 
O grow to be blossoms of truth 
As pure as the skies above ! 

With faith as your steadfast creed 
And the wind and rain and sun, 
Leave no room for a doubting Weed 
And the best of the race you've won. 



IN A GARDEN n 

Eternal Youth is the goal we seek 

In the spirit of Fairyland 

Where we love and we laugh every day in the week, 

That's the spirit of Fairyland ! 

( Vision disappears. Bobby tugs at Mary's wrapper 
harder, she turns, rises.) 

Bobby. Did — did you hear what she said? 

Mary. What — who said — Bobby Hamilton look 
at your knees, how they shake ! Whatever is the 
matter with you ! 

Bobby. Didn't vou see? 

Mary. What ? ' 

Bobby. All in white and silver ! 

Mary. THE FAIRY QUEEN ! 

Bobby. Do you really mean ? 

Mary. Yes, it must have been — oh! (Runs to 
rose-bush, places ear to petal) Sh! The rose sings 
— come closer, Bob, — now high, now low — Oh ! I 
love her pretty voice so ! We'll knock — perhaps 
she'll let us in. 

Bobby. In where? 

Mary. Fairyland ! (Knocks gently on rose 
petal) 

Bobby. I'm sleepy. (Yawns) 

Mary. (Sitting beside Bobby) So am I. (Rubs 
eyes — head nods) 

Bobby. You don't really believe in fairies do 
you? 

Mary. Yes — I do, and some day so will you. 

Bobby. 'Uhm! (Turtle is seen crossing stage. 
Bobby cries out — ) Look ! A turtle. 

Mary. (Clapping hands) Mr. Turtle! Kind 
Mr. Turtle, please take us to Fairyland — They are 
giving a dance ! Come quickly, Bobby, jump on his 
back. He goes to Fairyland ! (Beckons Bobby as 
she straddles turtle, standing) 



12 IN A GARDEN 

Bobby. To Fairyland on that thing's back, — not a 
chance ! 

Mary. I'm going! Please Mr. Turtle ! (Mary 
follozvs Turtle off-stage) 

(Bobby picks up rosebud off ground, and tries to 
put it back on bush. Hears a tinkle as he d.oes 
so. Drops bud to ground, walks, scratching 
head, and stretching, to center stage, to load- 
stool. He picks it up and tries to ft it on 
(kneeling). Drops it also on the ground. Rubs 
eyes. Calls.) 

Bobby. Mary! (No sound. Goes to tree, rubs 
eyes, sits down on seat and goes to sleep. As he 
closes eyes, stage is darkened gradually to allow for 
the raising of mist curtain for Scene I, Act I) 

ACT I 

SCENE I 

Same Garden, enlarged 

Scene: The moon is very bright, like daylight; 
Sandy, the doll, is seen distinctly under the rose- 
bush, size of Bobby. Bobby asleep under tree, 
soft music heard in distance ; bells tinkle, enter 
Fairy Queen, preceded by attendants (Court 
Herald, and Court Jester, and the Brown 
Fairy. Fairy Queen uses a wild floivcr for 
throne chair; she summons Herald zvho kneels 
before her. Enter Brown Fairy first — 
dances. 

Fairy Queen. 
I give audience to my Subjects, 
Of their suffering I would hear. 
Bid them enter. 



IN A GARDEN 13 

(Herald rises, goes to d. l. stage, calls.) 

Herald. 
" Her Majesty, our Queen, gives audience to her 
subjects 
And bids you welcome, one and all." 

(They enter single file, by twos and threes; kneel, 
bozv, and walk backwards to sides of the stage. 
Toad enters on crutch, Butterfly with pin 
through wing, the Rose wears torn dress.) 

Fairy Queen 
Speak, I pray you ! 

(All speak at once) 

Peace ! Each one in turn begin. 

Ah ! Princess, does my eyesight fail ? 

You, once so beautiful, now so pale ! 

(Princess advances, head bowed, pin is visible 
through whig, color faded from that side.) 

Princess Butterfly. 
It was at evening, but yesterday 
That I fell asleep on a golden-rod spray. 
In anguish I woke, with my faithful wing 
Pierced by the stroke of a mortal thing. 
They call it a pin, and it's made to hold 
Butterflies fair in a paper fold. 
We have done mortals no harm I know ; 
Why should we have to suffer so? 

Fairy Queen. 
Most of the things that we don't understand 
Princess fair, are in mortal land. 
Much as I'd like to help you, dear, 
All T can say is to have no fear; 
Something will happen I now can tell, 
Something to make your wing quite well. 



i 4 IN A GARDEN 

(Princess Butterfly withdrazvs, much encouraged. 
Rose advances.) 

Fatry Queen. 
Your dress all torn, my pretty Rose, 
Also by mortal, I suppose ? 

Rose. 
Can we not teach this little boy 
'Tis better to cherish than destroy? 
Can we not teach him that with youth, 
In the fair garden of Faith and Truth, 
'Tis Love he must help us plant in seed 
That will grow, and crowd out Doubt, the weed? 

Fairy Queen. 
This little boy shall be made to see 
Love in the garden where it should be, 
The garden of Youth where Love's the seed, 
Truth's the blossom, and Doubt, the weed ! 

(Rose withdraws. Toad advances on crutch, stands 
left-stage near Sandy.) 

Fairy Queen. 

Ah, Sir Toad 

I grieve to see you with a crutch ; 

A thoughtless act — a kick 

Has doubtless hurt you very much. 

Toad. 
Yea, your Majesty, 'tis true, 
A thoughtless act — a kick of shoe 



Has made my hip all black and blue ; 
I cannot hop, as I used to do. 

{Attempts to show assembly how difficult it is. 
Fairy Queen shakes head sadly. Queen Ant 
advances, Toad hops feebly to rose-bush, where 
the Brown Fairy delights in teasing him, 
mocking every act, much to the amusement of 
the others.) 



IN A GARDEN 15 

Queen Ant. 
Your Majesty! 

A naughty boy, in spitefulness, 
Has caused my people great distress ; 
He seems determined to undo 
Our choicest work with kick of shoe. 
Our happy homes and towns are wrecked 
Cannot his thoughtless ways be checked? 

Fairy Queen. 
Take courage, Queen, I promise thee 
Bobby your helper now shall be; 
He shall work by day and night, 
And unto your people make things right. 

(Waves wand, rises) 

Come hither Rose, and you, Princess fair, 

(Tarns to attendants) 

Fetch me an Ant's Head, 

And legs — three pair! 

Waken the boy, and bring him here. 

(Fairies waken Bobby — he struggles to free him- 
self, rubs eyes.) 

Fairy Queen. 
That you may learn what you have done, 
I must deprive you of boy's fun! 
As a working Ant, you'll understand 
The suffering you've made in Queen Ant's land. 

(Aside) 

Sir Toad, you hold 
The boy's right arm, 
Lest to our friends 
He does more harm! 

(To all) 



16 IN A GARDEN 

On with the legs ! 
So — fasten them tight; 
The head goes next, 
No — that isn't right. 

(Adjusts it. To Bobby, hand on his head.) 

(Bobby struggles, but in vain, he tries to call his 
sister's name as the head goes on, his speech is 
indistinct. Finally, exhausted, he is resigned to 
his fate!) 

You shall rebuild all fairy homes, 

Even to tiniest of the gnomes, 

Promise no more to pester the Ants, 

Promise to break no more buds from the plants. 

(To Queen Ant) 

Now, show him what you'd have, and then, 
Let him do the work of ten ! 

(Attendants show Bobby how to work and leave 
him. Bobby is awkward, moves slowly, down 

on all legs, soon tires and falls asleep near back 
of tree. His presence is soon forgotten. As 
Bobby is helped down on all legs, and just as 
he reaches tree, the Toad, who has been holding 
Bobby and hobbling by his side, bumps into the 
Brown Fairy, who immediately begins to pull 
the Toad's coat-tails, others join in the fun, 
until his crutch flics out from under him and 
he falls to the ground, into the rose-bushes, and 
onto Sandy, the rag-doll. Sandy cries out 
causing much commotion, the fairies pull Sandy 
out from the bushes, Toad on his knees search- 
ing for crutch, Brown Fatry seen strutting 
about in mock imitation of the Toad, on crutch 
much to the amusement of everybody.) 



IN A GARDEN 17 

Fairy Queen. Yellow ! Brownie ! 

Yellow" Fairy. Sandy, the Ragged Prince has 
been hiding here. 

Fairy Queen. The Ragged Prince ! Come for- 
ward, Sandy. 

Sandy. Forgive me, your Majesty ! I was play- 
ing in the garden with the little girl, Mary; she 
dropped me, — I was weary — no — yes — (Points to 
t:vo spots where he was, — ponders) I have been 
walking in my sleep ! 

Fairy. But why did you stay until the Fairies 
came? 

Sandy. In mortal land, I am only a doll ; I can- 
not act the same. I had to wait until the fairies 
came. 

(Brown Fairy chanting tauntingly.) 

Brown Fairy. 
He had to wait until the fairies came ; 
Mayhap the Princess can explain ! 
A lovers' quarrel in the rain. 
In anguish she hid on a golden-rod spray, 
But you mustn't listen to what I say. 
It's easy to guess 
Which pains her the less, 
The pin or the dart 
That pierces her heart ! 

(Pulls at Sandy's coat, pokes him in ribs.) 

Sandy. (Stamps foot upon the ground) Your 
Majesty!— I— I— I 

White Fairy. 

Let me explain 

I have a little playmate, Mary, 

Who is a mortal, not a fairy; 

But when we play we have such fun, 



18 IN A GARDEN 

It seems as if she must be one. 

She has a rag-doll, Sanely, 

She plays with — even feeds it candy. 

She loves him so, she even thought he 

Never could be very naughty. 

When she learned I was a fairy, 

She thought that I was quite contrary 

If I would not make her dollie 

Into a Fairy Prince so jolly! 

So just to please her, I assented, 

Just for once I then intended, 

We taught him how then, to behave. 

Yesterday, as we were playing, 

Mr. Thunder called down saying, 

It was going to rain he knew, 

The lightning telephoned it too. 

So Mary ran in, helter skelter, 

Leaving Sandy under shelter. 

Fairy Queen. (Turning to Sandy) 
They say that you are brave; 
If you can prove this true, 
A chance to win your heart's desire 
I fain would give to you. 
If you are ready to prove your worth, 
To be of service to all on earth, 
Read the notice that is printed there, 

(Points to tree) 

Read aloud with utmost care. 

Sandy. 
Your Majesty, I cannot read, 
But I want to help — I do indeed ! 

Fairy Queen. (To Attendant) 
Read it to him that he may know 
Who it is that we call our foe. 

(Attendant reads from notice on tree in garden.) 



IN A GARDEN 19 

Attendant. " Help us to EXTERMINATE the 
Gypsy Moth." 

Eairy Queen. 
That is the plea that's made by mortals, 
To drive the Gypsies from their portals. 
Though we are Eairies, it is our duty 
To keep the Gypsies from their booty. 
(Enter Bee, breathlessly, in military costume, 

kneels before Queen.) 

Bee. (r. c.) Your Majesty, the Gypsy Moths 
have been forewarned of our intended attack, and 
they are at present approaching in great numbers 
along the North Road. It is not yet too late to sur- 
round them. Shall I call the Bees to Arms? 

Fairy Queen. (Rises) 
Yes, Yes, to Arms ! But before you go, 
You, your new leader, I would show. 
Sandy is brave and will lead you forth 
In your effort to capture the Gypsy Moth. 

(Steps forzvard a little) 

Now go, and command all the Bees to arm, 

And all fairies will pray that you come to no harm ! 

(Exit Bee. Brown Fairy tickles Bobby; the Ant, 
who rises, peeps around tree at sound of 
voices; he sees Sandy for the first time ) 

Bobby. (In an aside) Sandy here! How queer! 
He moves, he talks — he even walks ! (Sits) 

Fairy Queen. (To Sandy) 
The Gypsy Moths are outlaws, to this and every 

land. 
Great wealth is spent each year, I'm told, to fight 

this mighty band. 
You'll kill the band, capture their Chief, 
Who is known to us as a murderous thief. 



20 IN A GARDEN 

Of his poisonous darts all mortals have fear, 

If these you destroy, we will make you a peer 

In the kingdom of Fairies, the land of good cheer. 

Your hour has come, now go and lead the Bees 

To victory against the enemy of man and trees. 

Travel fast ! When you succeed, 

A lit reward shall meet the deed. 

(Bobby pretends to work, but is listening to dia- 
logue that follozvs. He remains, hidden by tree. 
Sandy kneels, kisses Queen's hand, rises, 
stands aside with bozved head as Queen and 
Attendants exit. Princess lags behind, 
Brown Fairy roguishly winks at Sandy, 
frowns at him. Brown Fairy scampers off- 
stage with zvords : — 

Brown Fairy. 
Your heart's desire ! — Most noble Sire ! Ha, Fla ! 

(Gives mock bozv. Exit.) 

Sandy. 
Dear Princess, just a word before I go away, 
Without your smile — the day is gray; 

(Princess starts to leave) 

Nay!— Stay! 

(Goes to her, takes hand, kneels, kisses hand — 
Princess turns her head away; Sandy rising, 
takes her in his arms.) 

Bobby. (In soliloquy) 
Somewhere before, I seem to know 
That the Gypsy Moth is a dangerous foe, 

(Glances up at tree, sees sign "Help us to EX- 
TERMINATE the Gypsy Moth.") 



IN A GARDEN 21 

" If these you destroy, we'll make you a peer, 
In the kingdom of Fairies, the land of good 
cheer ! " 

(Turns to Sandy) 

A sawdust doll, with beads for eyes 

To lead an army — What a surprise ! 

Sandy. Farewell, — the hour grows late ; 
(Listens. Sound of drums heard in distance 
grows louder, they embrace again. Bobby continues 
to watch.) 'Tis the Bees approaching, I must to 
my Fate! (Exit Sandy) 

(Princess weeps, Drums grow louder, army does 
not pass on stage, unless desired; Princess 
waves handkerchief, between sobs — (for hand- 
kerchief use white dandelion) — Bobby scratches 
his head as curtain descends, pickes up stone 
and begins to work to the sound of drum-beats, 
now and then shaking head.) 

Curtain 

ACT I 

SCENE II 

Scene: Same as I, Ant hill clearly shown near 
tree; sand, stones, and sticks lie about; at rise 
of curtain, Bobby as the Ant is seen in fore- 
ground, carrying sand, etc., with great effort. 
Enter the Toad on crutch. 

Toad. Flow now, friend Ant? A different tune 
you chant ! (A big mortal foot knocks over the ant 
hill destroying most of it. Bobby looks discouraged, 
wipes brozv and starts to zveep) 'Tis but a mortal 



22 IN A GARDEN 

foot, take no heed ; to work to work, less tears 
more speed ! 

(Stooping now and then, picking up sto?ies and 
with crutch tossing sand on pile, the Toad 
chants :) 

" It's oh, and it's ah ! It's alack and alas ! 
Just imagine you live in a big looking glass " 

Oh, what could you say and what could you do 
If you lived all alone in the toe of a shoe! 
You could hop, you could skip, you could jump, 
you could dance, 
,And you'd hear very little of " shouldn'ts and 
shan'ts " 
You could stump your big toe, and it would never 

get hurt 
You could kick up the sand, you could play in 

the dirt! 
But it's oh and it's ah ! it's alack and alas ! 
Just imagine you lived in a big looking glass." 

! 
I must be off. I'm in no mood for taunt this day 

So long, my friend, all forlorn ! 

(Toad exits singing.) 

It's oh ! and it's ah ! It's alack ! and alas ! 
Just imagine you live in a big looking-glass! 

(Enter Yellow and Brown Fairies ; they scamper 
about teasing Bobby, hindering him at work by 
sitting on his shovel and on the sand hill, laugh- 
ing.) 

Bobby. Who are you ! 

Yellow Fairy. Fairies! Don't you know us! 



IN A GARDEN 23 

We live in the yellow and brown toadstool villages 
— There — (Point) — by the pool! (Sit on Ant hill) 

Bobby. Our Garden pool ! I never saw you 
there ; besides, Fairies wear white, at least my sister 
says they do! And YOU 

Brown Fairy. 'Tis true — we have sisters that 
wear white, but we, you see, are as mischievous 
as can be ! (Dance around pulling Bobby this way 
and that. Bells are heard) Sh! Our sister comes. 

(Yellow and Brownie scamper away, u. r.) 

White Fairy. (Enters from behind tree, with 
spot light) Hello! 

Bobby. Hello ! (Picks up shovel) 

White Fairy. It grows late ! The Fairy Queen 
will soon be here. Your work — undone ! How 
now? 

Bobby. I have nearly finished a dozen and more 
houses, and each time they have been destroyed. I 
have worked for hours ! — My back aches so, and 
my arms are stiff — everybody is having a good 
time but me ! (Sobs) I'm so sleepy, I can hardly 
see ! (Sits down at foot of Fairy, who is sitting 
on a Canterbury Bell) I'm glad you've come ; 
you're different from the rest — Where do you live? 

White Fairy. In a beautiful garden world ; 
my house is a lily-white toadstool, near a pool. 

Bobby. The pool in our garden? There are 
different colored toadstools there ! 

White Fairy. Yes — in your garden — 'this 
garden ! 

Bobby. But I have never seen you ! 

White Fairy. Perhaps you have never looked 
for me? Fairies, you know, have the power of 
vanishing from human sight, when they wish. 
Sometimes they are heard without being seen, and 
when they travel through the air, as they often do, 



24 IN A GARDEN 

they make a humming noise, like a swarm of bees. 

Bobby. Are Fairies all of one family ? 

White Fairy. They are divided into different 
ones ; fairies are everywhere ; some dwell in toad- 
stool villages 

Bobby. Like those in our garden? 

White Fairy. Like those in your garden — this 
garden! The white toadstools are where the good 
little fairies live, the yellow toadstools, where the 
mischievous fairies live, and the brown toadstools, 
where the naughty fairies live. 

Bobby. But I have seen pink ones too! 

White Fairy. Yes, to be sure; all the fairy 
thoughts are kept in the cunning little pink toad- 
stools ! 

Bobby. Are there many naughty fairies? 

White Fairy. No — but many mischievous 
fairies. Oh ! Fairyland is such a jolly place ! 

Bobby. Why are the eaves of the yellow toad- 
stools turned up? All the others are turned down! 

White Fairy. (Laughs) Once upon a time, 
there was a beautiful Prince, who went in search 
of our Fairy Queen, — but he was too impatient 
to find her. Fie sat down on a brown toadstool 
house and cried ; all the yellow toadstools laughed 
— and turned up the eaves of their houses to catch 
his tears, — because, you see, there had been a 
drought in Fairyland that year. And that is why so 
many yellow toadstools are shaped like cups ! 

Bobby. Didn't the Prince find the Fairy Queen? 

White Fairy. No.— " HE THAT WOULD 
CONQUER, MUST FIRST, PATIENCE EN- 
DURE ! " 

Bobby. What do you do all day? — and what do 
you play? 

White Fairy. I dance and sing — the butterflies 
are beautiful dancers, you know — then I play with 
the flowers, and Oh ! — there is the dearest little girl 



IN A GARDEN 25 

that comes and plays with ns. — She has light curly 
hair, and big blue eyes. And she has a doll named 
" Sandy." (Laughs) One day we made him a 
Prince, just for fun! 

Bobby. That is my sister's dolly's name, how 
odd ! — I wonder if it is she ! What's her name ? 

White Fairy. Let me see, — I think they call 
her— Ma — r — y — , Mary ! 

Bobby. Yes, yes, — it's she! (Draws closer) I 
am Bob, her brother. 

White Fairy. (Moves away) W T hat ! The 
little boy, who doesn't like fairy-tales, — who won't 
believe in fairies? Don't you like me? 

Bobby. Y-e-s ! — But you are different. 

White Fairy. But I'm a Fairy; — Don't you 
believe in me? 

Bobby. Y-e-s, — I — believe in you. — Are you 
really a fairy? 

White Fairy. (Nods head) Yes! 

Bobby. Oh, then I do believe in fairies ! — I am 
so glad (rises to feet) that you live in our garden 
— what fun! — (Turns, looks at unfinished sand hill) 
I'm sorry, — I wish I could make the Ants happy 
again — and the Toad — I wish that I could cure his 
leg! 

White Fairy. You can ! Each day, give 
THOUGHT TO ALL that grows,— to all things 
that creep, for each has its work on earth to do 
Help all things to live, Bobby, — and your reward 
will be contentment and happiness. IT IS BUT 
EVIL WE DESTROY ! 

Bobby. Then could I play in Fairyland? 

White Fairy. Yes — if by the Queen's command. 

Bobby. What is that funny little stick you carry ? 

White Fairy. A Magic Wand. 

Bobby. Magic — Wand? — Can you really make 
it do things ? — Change a boy to an Ant, and an Ant 
into a boy, — just as I was before — before this? 

White Fairy. 



26 IN A GARDEN 

Yes, — even that ; — but to your task ! 
Complete it — e'er you ask ! 

(Bobby begins to work. White Fairy waves wand, 
calls:) 

Yellow ! — Brownie ! Come, — make haste ! 

(Enter Fairies, Yellow and Brownie, u. r.) 

You Yellow, guard the paths ; 
Should mortal start to tread, 
Put other motives in his head ! 

(To Bobby, who has stopped work to listen) 

Hurry, hurry! Faster still, 

If you would finish the Queen Ant's Hill! 

Bobby. (Shoveling hard) How light the sand! 
It fairly rolls into place. See ! — It's done ! 

(Dances up and down. Yellow and Brownie 
take his hands. They dance around sand hill. 
Enter Sir Toad, hops, but without crutch, 
sing's:) 

Toad. 
" It's oh ! and it's ah ! It's alack and alas ! 
Just imagine you live in a big looking-glass ! " 
Look you, friend Ant, — my crutch, — 'tis gone; 

(Slaps leg.) 

My leg again is strong ! 

Bobby. Oh! I'm glad! (Wild-rose heard sing- 
ing in the distance. Pauses) Who sings? 

White Fairy. The Rose! Listen! (Hand to 
ear) 

Bobby. (Claps hands) She is no longer sad! 
(Speaks with difficulty) 



IN A GARDEN 27 

(Enter Queen Ant, her attendants (2) — turtles, 
butterflies, at same time faces appear in the 
flowers, with sound of music. Faces also in 
toadstools. Queen Ant walks front stage to 
Bobby, who stands with bozved head before 
her.) 

Queen Ant. (Looking at finished sand hill) 
'Tis well — If thou dost feel repentance, — I will 
pardon thee ! 

Bobby. Oh ! I promise you ! (Speaks haltingly, 
with difficulty) 

(Bobby rises, all listen as sound of bells and c| 
humming noise is heard off-stage. Enter Fairy 
Queen, and her Attendants; great respect is 
shown, all bow; Queen stands center stage, 
attendants either side.) 

Fairy Queen. (Addresses Queen Ant) 
This little boy, his task has done; 
And your forgiveness — he has won ! 

Queen Ant. 
Yes, your Majesty, 
He now repents his thoughtless deeds, 

Fairy Queen. (To Bobby) Bobby, come here! 

(Holds wand high above his head.) 

I give you welcome into Fairyland. 

You may come and go 

As long as you show 

Kindness and thought 

For my subjects here below ! 

And now — A Dance." 

At the rising of the sun, 

Your duty as Mortal Boy will have begun ! 

(Turns to Assembly. Turtle enters, Mary on his 
back) 



28 IN A GARDEN 

And now a game, you shall name ; 

(Clapping of hands. Exit Fairy Queen and At- 
tendants.) 

Toad. Let us have a race ! 

Assembly. Yes! Yes! 

Voice from the Crowd A chariot race ! 

Mary. What fun! But how will it be done? 
We have no wheels ! 

Yellow Fairy. The toadstools will take part. 

Brown Fairy. (Tcasingly) It's sure to be a 
fast race — from the start ! (Laugher) 

Toadstools. We will be the wheels ! But we 
need a chariot ! 

Toad. And a challenger ! 

Turtle. (Drawls in speech) I will challenge 
you Sir Toad, Three laps, around the pool ! 

(Much laughter.) 

Toad. (Hands on hips) The race is won, e'er 
'tis begun ! I accept your challenge, Turtle ! 

Yellow Fairy. Let the Jack-in-the-pulpit drive 
and guide, — You'll need a steady hand, if I am any 
judge! 

Canterbury. Three laps around the pool, — 
And we will ring our bells each lap. Make way ! 
The race is to begin ! 

(Chariots rush out. Much commotion, Toad ap- 
pears nervous, Turtle calm) 
Queen Ant. (Standing) Ready! GO! 

(Race to be made as funny as possible; pool is 
clearly shown, characters on stage flank sides. 
Toad starts, ahead of turtle, with a big hop — he 



IN A GARDEN 29 

hops higher and higher, until finally he upsets 
chariot in his mad endeavor to beat the Turtle. 
Turtle passes, while the Toad's chariot is 
being righted, and Toad rescued from the] 
pool. For the second time the Toad upsets his 
chariot. Much excitement is shozvn among the 
onlookers, and much cheering as the last bell is 
heard. Turtle winning the race. The Toad 
is brought from the water, a very sorry-look- 
ing object, fussing and fuming. 

Assembly. The Turtle wins! {Cheers) 

{Enter White Fairy excitedly, followed by Yel- 
low and Brown Fairies.) 

White Fairy. The Princess — Is she here? 

Assembly. No ! What has happened ? 

White Fairy. {Speaking rapidly) We fear 
that she has followed Sandy. And should she make 
the left turn, she is sure to meet the Gypsies 

Assembly. Oh ! They might — kill her ! 

White Fairy. 
Nay! Not so, 
Though they be our for. 
A Princess Royal they would hold 
For a ransom, — not of gold; 
But a promise they'd extract, 
To lead them to our fold. 
Alas ! If this be true 
Our fate does not rest with you; 
To Mortals we must turn 

{As Bobby approaches) 

Bobby. {Turning to White Fairy. Explains to 
Interpreter that he cannot speak. Spoken brokenly. 
White Fairy interprets Bobby's words) 



3 o IN A GARDEN 

White Fairy. 
I could save the Garden, were I mortal boy. 
The wand! If magic it truly be, 
Let me now prove my loyalty ! 

{He is changed from Ant to Boy, one leg at a time 
taken off. At last his head) 

He would be a Hero ! 
Oh ! Let him go ! 

Fairy Queen. 
Go ! Destroy that which is evil ; 
Protect that which is beautiful ; 
Love, cherish, and be dutiful ! 
Youth, with thy power, — Go ! 

Curtain 



ACT II 

SCENE I 

Back of same Garden — Enlarged 

Gypsy Moth Camp 
Early dawn 

Scene : Meshes of silver net against shrubs and tree 
boughs, to represent " Tents " of Gypsy Moths. 
At rise of curtain, moths asleep, around fire 
right-stage, all but the gypsy-moth " hag " who 
sits by another fire, smaller, on the left side of 
stage: she rocks back and forth, mumbling, 
now and then reaching out for a few oak 
leaves, which represent cards of "fortune". 
For fires, use the " Fire-weed " with flame 
paper, or the <( DeviVs-paint-brush". At back 



IN A GARDEN 31 

of stage is a web " tent ", a dead shrub for its 
support. Chief of the gypsies, appeals in door- 
way, (a crotch of the branch). He stretches, 
looks about, steps down to ground, moves slowly 
toward "Hag" left stage: pokes her in the 
back, she mumbles, he repeats the poke. She 
doesn't move, Chief watches her for second, 
then raising hands in hopeless gesture, brings 
hands dozun on cards in temper. 

Chief. Stir your stumps — don't be a'turnm' day 
into night ! Come on, water it is, for the porridge 
and those (Smacks lips leaning forward) beau-ti- 
ful black beetles, my 1-o-v-e ! (Hag moves, 
mumbles) Oh ! you heard that, did you — come along 
then, fetch the water and be quick about it, I'm 'alf 
starved. (Shakes her) No, Asleep in Milady's 
boudoir I suppose ! Breakfast at ten, served on a 
golden platter ; Gad ! if food I'd have, a'f etching of 
the water myself, I'm a'thinking! (Picks up pail, 
shuffles off back stage — At same time the Butter- 
fly peeps through bushes, and as the Chief exits, 
she creeps forward watching " Hag ", curiously. 
While she stands watching, the young gypsy-moth 
girl, wakens, sees the beautiful Butterfly, rises 
and approaches her unnoticed; as the moth touches 
with great azve, the beautiful dress of the Butter- 
fly, the Butterfly screams, waking the others, they 
all rise and rush forward. The Butterfly in try- 
ing to escape rushes into the arms of the Chief, 
who is returning with pail of water; his surprise is 
humorous; empty pail lies on ground as he holds 
her. Butterfly weeps, and hides her face, as the 
curious moths gather about. Old Hag feels of the 
dress, of the hair, whispering:) 

Old Hag. Real gold! A truly handsome ransom, 
such raiment should bring ! The scissors, my dear. 



32 IN A GARDEN 

(To girl gypsy, Pats Butterfly) Dry those pretty 
eyes, dearie — have no fear ; You are among friends ! 

Butterfly. (Hotly) You are not my friends! 
You kill and destroy all I love, just as you would 
destroy my. hair — you're Bandits, and enemies to 
all I love ! Stand aside ! I command you, you shall 
not keep me here ! (Starts to go, Chief stops her) 

Chief. " Enemies to all you love ", we are 
" bandits ", " outlaws "—hear her ! Where is your 
home, my pretty ? You have not as yet told. 

Butterfly. And I will not! (Remembering 
that Sandy with his army will soon come to her 
rescue, she becomes bold, defiant) 

Chief. She plays with us. Speak ! or a captive 
you shall be, and if your " loved " ones be well 
advised, they will pay high for your security ! 

Butterfly. (Laughs scornfully) You dare not ! 

Chief. (In temper) Dare not ! indeed — (Grasp- 
ing her wrist) I would have no harm come to you, 
still — if you persist in defying me, my temper would 
arise — and then — I would answer not, for your 
life — eh, wife? 

Hag. Yea, he speaks truly, " the evil one's own 
temper has the master." 

Butterfly. I fear not. (Voice: (( The Beetles 
are done, cooked to a turn") 

Chief. I wonder how butterflies would taste, 
stewed, (Smacks lips) A delicacy — it sounds well 
to my ears! St-e-w-ed! M-m! (Butterfly draws 
away from gypsy, looks frightened, Sandy not yet 
arrived) Ah! Milady turns pale! Til waste no 
more time with you — come — Why are you here; 
where do you live? Mind now, no "Fairy" tale. 

Butterfly. (Sobbing) I live in a beautiful 
garden, to the south. My lover, he — he 

Chief. Deserted you ? The rascal ! 

Butterfly. Nay! I was in search of him. I 



IN A GARDEN 33 

know not where he is. (Kneels) Oh ! Spare me — 
and you shall be rewarded, if I return in safety! 

Chief. Yea " reward " is the word, my pretty — 
but calm yourself, abide with us awhile, we travel 
south by the light of the moon. No harm shall come 
to you — unless perchance, this story you have told, 
proves, untrue. (Walks away, enters tent) 

Hag. (In undertone) A lover did'st thou say? 
He has gone away ? For one Rose petal, I will read 
thy fortune ! Fate lies within the cutting of the oak- 
leaves ! Come closer, be not afraid — (Cut oak- 
leaves, as if they were a pack of cards) The oak 
does not lie, thy fate is written upon its veined leaves, 
look ! " A Prince is he ? " Nay ! What is this I 
see: "False friend"! (Butterfly gasps) Sh! 
the Oak speaks the truth — Take heed ! " Your 
lover, will quail and fail in all he attempts ; 
Take warning, lest you throw yourself away, on a — 
saw-dust doll, that is made for children's play ! " 
" He loves you, yes, but do not let that deceive you. 

(Butterfly hides face in hands; Chief's voice 
heard in distance.) 

Chief. Wife! The porridge, is it done? Gad! 
Would you have me breakfast on a crumb? 

(Hag scuffles off.) 

Gypsy Girl. (Advancing slowly to Butterfly) 
Please don't cry — they won't hurt you ! Oh ! what 
is that ughly thing, in your wing? 

Butterfly. Mortals call it a pin. 

Gypsy Girl. Doesn't it hurt? 

Butterfly. Yes — but I dare not take it out, be- 
cause you see, I have no balm, to herd the wound. 

Gypsy Girl. Let me do it for you, I knew how. 



34 IN A GARDEN 

(She deftly extracts pin, using sap from a dandelion 
as balm. During the process, the Butterfly 
speaks) 

Butterfly. You are very kind, what is your 
name, and what can I do for you ? 

Gypsy Girl. Oh! tell me about your Beautiful 
Garden home ! I have never seen a beautiful garden, 
it must be wonderful to live in one ! 

Butterfly. 
So it is, " Tiny ", may I call you Tiny? 

And very peaceful ; the Flowers give honey to the 

Bee, 
Feed and shelter Butterflies, like me, 
The lovely Trees, protect us from the wind 
Who doesn't want to chill us, — he's very kind. 

But tell me, would you really like to see a garden, 
now, with me? 

Gypsy Girl. (Clapping hands) Yes — yes — it 
is my dearest wish ! Oh ! can I really go with thee ? 

Butterfly. (Sound of Bees approaching, bus- 
zing noise, grows louder and louder) Hush ! I hear 
a buzzing noise, like an army of Bees. Come, make 
haste, we must escape. The Queen's army ap- 
proaches by the Poplar trees ! (As Gypsy starts to 
warn the camp, Butterfly pulls her toward tree, 
left-stage, holds her hand) No, no, we have no 
time to waste — I can save you, quick ! Hide with 
me, in the crotch of this old tree. 

(As they start for tree, Sandy appears, from other 
side. They embrace, Gypsy starts to run away 
Butterfly holds her.) 

Sandy. (To Butterfly) Come Dearest, there 
is no time to waste. 

Gypsy Girl. No — no — I must not go, my people 
will be murdered, Oh ! what shall I do — let me warn 
them 'ere I go with you ! 



IN A GARDEN 35 

Sandy. Go with Us? You can not go into the 
Garden ! 

Butterfly. Indeed ! I leave her here to die, 
when she but now, healed my wing — If you refuse, 
you do not love me! Just ONE peep (Teasingly) 
She promises to return — if you truly loved me, you 
would do as / wish ! 

Sandy. {Nervously) Come then, quick, the 
Moths have been warned, they come this way. 

{Bees enter from back stage, also right, battle be- 
tween the Moths and Bees as the curtain goes 
down. The Web-Tents are seen burning, use 
red paper. Bees are victorious.) 

Curtain 
Garden as in Act I 

{Bright Moonlight) 
ACT II 

SCENE II 

Scene: Cast assembled, as at close of Scene II 
Act I. Dance of the Toadstools and Fairies. 
After the dance, Butterfly and Sandy {hold- 
ing Moth's hand) appear; they are joyously 
greeted; during which time, the moth disap- 
pears. Butterfly turns, the moth is missing. 

Butterfly. Where is Tiny? 
Assembly. Tiny ? Who ? 
Sandy. The Gypsy Moth- 



Fatry Queen. Gypsy — Moth! in our beautiful 
garden ! Quick, look on each leaf and every branch 
— search carefully — She must be found, {Turning to 
Sandy) 



36 IN A GARDEN 

Explain, oh, faithless one to man and trees, 

I deplore the hour I made thee Captain of the Bees ! 

Butterfly. Blame not Sandy, your Majesty, 
it is I — that am to blame. I coerced him in the 
name — of love ! " Tiny " cured my wing, and the 
request she made, was such a little thing, I 

Fajry Queen. I see — a kindly act, you thought 
to do, while she 

Voices. Quickly, quickly ! 

{Moth appears right stage near tree, all out of 
breath — has been running — as others start for 
back-stage following voice. Gypsy speaks in 
undertone.) 

Gypsy Girl. I must hide where they will not find 
me, until — it is too late. (Looks up at tree) Ah! 
the very place, behind the apple, with the rosey 
face! (Stretches out arms, at same time, a black 
net drops over her head and she falls to ground) 

Voices. This way — (As they all leave stage. 
The mist curtain descends slozvly) 

Curtain 



EPILOGUE 

Scene: As the curtain descends, stage is 
darkened a second to allow characters in the 
Epilogue to take their places; Bobby and Mary 
asleep on seat of tree, Sandy the rag-doll 
visible under rose-bush. Bright moonlight, 
Notice on tree about the Gypsy Moths, plainly 
seen from orchestra; Bobby moves — as if in 
sleep — then starts forzvard — falls off seat onto 



IN A GARDEN 37 

ground near net. Mary, who has been leaning 
against Bobby falls also: they both open their 
eyes. 

Bobby. Ouch! (Looks at net) Did I get it? 

(Mary and Bobby search together — find Moth; are 
happy.) 

Voice. Mary ! Bobby ! — Children ! 

Bobby. Here she is! (Takes Moth betzveen 
fingers, picks up net with other hand, they rise slozvly, 
walk off-stage very slozvly during the following 
dialogue) I've caught her — (Looks back, sees ant- 
hill rebuilt, toadstool head on — he goes to bush picks 
up Sandy, zvhose face is zvet zvith dezv) 

Mary. Oh ! you are splendid, Bobby ; the fairies 

will be glad ! Look at Sandy's face — he has been 

crying — poor Prince Sandy! (Takes him in her 

arms — they both laugh as they approach exit right 

of stage. Looking at doll) 

Bobby. Come, Sis. — Nurse will be hopping mad ! 

Mary. So will mother. 

Bobby. And so will Dad ! But we have seen 
Fairyland — Gee ! but I'm glad, Sis — That you're a 
girl and — I'm a lad ! ! 

Voice. Children ! 

(They exit, hand in hand, dragging net on ground.) 
Curtain 

END 



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